Friday, August 27, 2010

My mom asked me to create a mini album for her friends son and daughter who recently gave birth to a still born. This was a difficult project for me....such a delicate subject. I hope they enjoy this little book that captures their beautiful angel.

This week it is Dealers Choice over at Cricut Mini Albums so be sure to visit our blog for more great minis!

The cartridges I used for this project are Create a Critter and Everyday Paper Dolls. I wanted the clouds to be glittery and I didn't have enough of the white glitter cardstock so I used some Glitter Glaze from lil' Davis Designs to coat the clouds front and back. Then I brushed on some baby powder. This worked great! Any glitter glaze that was tacky was covered in powder and then it wasn't tacky anymore and it still looks great! It also adds a hint of scent to the book (although I am not quite sure if that is a good or a bad thing in this situation :( ) I then used some Tim Holtz distress inks (tumbled glass) around the edge of the clouds to give them some depth.

For the baby on the cover I used some chalk to pull out the cuts of the face and add some dimension to the outfit. Then to finish off the album I added some flowers here and there. I tried to keep it pretty simple and I didn't leave a lot of room for journaling as it is a sensitive subject. There is a hidden pocket to slip in the obituary.

(I used a photo editing tool to cover up the photos; out of respect for the family)

(I found a fun and free photo editing tool called Picnik....I will have to play more with it! www.picnik.com )

Monday, August 23, 2010

Of course, I, as much as anyone else would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to win Provo Crafts newest must have machine; the Cricut Imagine. Have you seen this baby? It does everything!!!! Design; print; and cut. It prints designs that will match your favorite paper companies colors...how cool is that? I would be so extremely; jumping off the floor; excited if I would win an Imagine. Such an amazing machine!!!!! I would post videos and projects on my blog and share how much I love it. I would share with my local friends and we would create amazing projects. I would love to be able to save money by printing out all of my own patterned paper! That is what it is all about right? Provo Crafts machines are a bit pricey….but if you think about it….it is going to save you so much money in the long run!!!!!

I am lucky enough to have a husband that allows me to have this “addiction” for Provo Craft products. But….at this moment in time….purchasing an Imagine is not going to fly! The only way for me to get one is for one to drop out of the sky; the price to drastically drop; or to win one. Chances of all 3 are slim to none…..but as they say; you can’t win the lottery if you don’t play; right?

I am the mother of 4 beautiful children; but the only way I keep my sanity is to make time to craft. I craft with the kids often and when the house is finally quiet at the end of the day….that is when I relieve my stress by creating a paper tornado. If I win an Imagine……my family will be happy because…..If Mamma ain’t happy….ain’t nobody happy! LOL

Now….I don’t have a heartfelt story to tell….I have been rather lucky I suppose; to have a pretty healthy family. My 8 year old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 2….but that is a piece of cake compared to what many others have to deal with. The grass is always greener…but really there is always someone out there that has it much worse than you.

I wish everyone who enters this contest the best of luck and may someone who truly deserves a pocket full of sunshine be blessed with this awesome prize!!!!

If you are reading this post and want a chance at this awesome prize (c'mon....who wouldn't?) then visit this blog: www.cricutimagine.net